The Herald (Harare)

Published by the government of Zimbabwe

2 May 2008
Posted to the web 2 May 2008

Harare

A HARARE man was on Wednesday fined $25 billion for illegal possession of ivory.

Emmerson Buruvuru (25) was convicted of illegally possessing 1,2kg of ivory in contravention of the Parks and Wildlife Act.

Buruvuru, who was convicted on his own plea of guilty, was initially sentenced to six months in jail before three moths were set aside on condition he does not commit a similar offence within the next three years.

Magistrate Ms Gloria Takundwa further suspended three months on condition he paid a $25 billion fine.

Prosecutor Mr Alois Gakata established that on April 10 this year, Constable Tafara Muchiriro was patrolling in the city when he met Buruvuru. He observed Buruvuru suspiciously turning into a sanitary lane while carrying a small bag.

He followed and stopped him for a search, leading to the recovery of the ivory in the bag.

He then arrested Buruvuru and took the ivory to the Parks and Wildlife Management Authority for weighing and evaluation.

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